overlook 1 of 2

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as in to dominate
to look down on the fortress overlooks the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to possess
to cast a spell on the superstitious grandmother actually believed that the baby had been overlooked by a gypsy woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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overlook

2 of 2

noun

as in lookout
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible just down the road there's a great overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to overlook, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

The words ignore and overlook can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overlook
Verb
Many mothers report feeling overlooked, unsupported, and emotionally depleted in the weeks following childbirth. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 27 July 2025 What’s often overlooked is how this developmental trajectory is reflected in the brain. K. Ward Cummings, Baltimore Sun, 27 July 2025
Noun
The overlook of the Colorado River, winding 2,000 feet below, is one of the most iconic vistas in the Southwest. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 The new stone overlook, which will increase accessibility to an underutilized area of the park, will feature a plaza, bike rack, water fountain and a short path connecting the space with surrounding views of pollinator meadows, an open field and rolling hills. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overlook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlook
Verb
  • As recently as this week, Chinese aircraft carriers pushed farther into waters that had long been dominated by the U.S. military, in a series of drills reported by the Japanese military's joint staff.
    Tom Bowman, NPR, 24 July 2025
  • While banks dominate credit provision in Asia far more than in Western markets — accounting for about 79% of lending compared with 54% in Europe and just 33% in the U.S., according to investment firm KKR — that dynamic is shifting.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Donald Trump promised to go after the worst of the worst, but his administration's heavy-handed tactics in many cases ignore people's constitutional rights and the rule of law.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • Having said that, beachgoers have already been ignoring signs and fencing to get to the beach, especially on weekends.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Creator Matt Groening was joined by Cohen, as well as executive producers Claudia Katz and Ken Keeler, supervising director Peter Avanzino, and Futurama stars Billy West (Fry, the Professor, Zoidberg), Lauren Tom (Amy), Phil LaMarr (Hermes), David Herman (Scruffy) and Maurice LaMarche (Kif).
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 26 July 2025
  • Under the new rules, the cultivation of medical cannabis will be supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, while processing, export, licensing, registration, and authorization for sale will fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Health.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Willock’s dynamism and ability to carry the ball up the pitch is a skill set that Newcastle do not possess elsewhere.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • As a consequence, people, still possessed by religious longings, tend to deify the country.
    Ha Jin July 28, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • The current playoff format deserves to be thoroughly dissected and examined.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
  • The authors also examined how these projections will accelerate the pace of aging in China.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Part of the cost of replacing lead lines in New London is being covered by a $6.9 million federal loan, a portion of which will be forgiven.
    Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
  • On the other side, Israel’s demolition and occupation of much of Gaza has made Palestinians all the less willing to reconcile with and forgive Israel.
    DANIEL BYMAN, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • He was transferred to Hospice Austin's Christopher House, where his nausea and pain are being managed.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The Trump administration has slashed funding for parks, fired park workers and ordered changes to the way parks are managed.
    Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The state and national parks, almost all of which are free to access, have nearly endless trails and scenic lookouts.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 27 July 2025
  • Under Canvas Grand Canyon is well situated near the Mather Point and Grandview Point lookouts, while Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase is a great launch spot for those looking to take a pontoon boat tour through the breathtaking slot canyons.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlook. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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